Devils Sign Erik Haula to Three-Year Extension

The New Jersey Devils have signed forward Erik Haula to a three-year contract extension.

The New Jersey Devils continued their busy pre-draft period on Friday, agreeing to terms with forward Erik Haula on a three-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $3.15 million. 

The deal, which ties Haula to New Jersey through the 2025-26 season, saves Haula from becoming a UFA and comes roughly one week after the Devils locked up star winger Jesper Bratt to a massive extension, ensuring once again the club's talented forward corps remains intact for years to come. 

While not as much of a marquee name as some of his fellow teammates, Haula has quietly been an extremely productive middle-six forward throughout his time in New Jersey. 

The 32-year-old was a big part of the Devils' regular season success in 2022-23, racking up 14 goals and 27 assists for 41 points in 80 games while logging nearly 17 minutes per game in ice time. 

Haula can play in a variety of situations as well, particularly on the penalty kill, and has proven capable of handling difficult usage. Last season, Haula began less than half his shifts in the offensive zone, demonstrating coach Lindy Ruff's confidence in his forward's defensive ability. 

With Bratt and Haula locked in, the Devils will now shift their focus to pending RFA Timo Meier, who needs an extension of his own and should command top dollar as one of the best players on either free agent market. Although, with only 15 signed players on their active roster and about $22.3 million in cap space with which to sign them per PuckPedia, the money might be tight. 

Needless to say, the upcoming draft and free agent frenzy should be appointment viewing.